What is this drug used for?

It is used to thin mucus so it can be taken from the body by coughing.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

If your child has an allergy to this drug or any part of this drug.

If your child is allergic to any drugs like this one or any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

If your child has any of these health problems: Cough with a lot of mucus or a long-term cough caused by smoking or lung problems like asthma or emphysema.

If your child has taken certain drugs used for low mood (depression) like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine or drugs used for certain other health problems in the last 14 days. Taking this drug within 14 days of those drugs can cause very bad high blood pressure. Talk with your child’s doctor.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for your child to take this drug with all of his/her drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that your child is using this drug.

Do not give your child more of this drug than what the doctor told you to give. Giving more of this drug than you are told may raise the chance of very bad side effects.

Do not have your child use longer than you have been told by your child’s doctor.

Different brands of this drug may have different doses for children. Talk with the doctor before giving this drug to a child.

This drug may affect certain lab tests. Be sure the doctor and lab workers know your child takes this drug.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Restlessness.

Shakiness.

Shortness of breath.

Trouble passing urine.

Hallucinations.

Seizures.

Fast or slow heartbeat.

A heartbeat that does not feel normal.

Very bad dizziness or passing out.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

Dizziness.

Feeling nervous and excitable.

Not able to sleep.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.

Have your child drink lots of noncaffeine liquids every day unless told to drink less liquid by your child’s doctor.

Liquid:

Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.

Liquid (suspension):

Shake well before use.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

If your child takes this drug on a regular basis, give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.

If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.

Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis. Do not give to your child more often than told by the doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Store at room temperature.

Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.

Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

General drug facts

If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.

Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.

Talk with your child’s doctor before giving your child any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Last Reviewed Date

2014-11-10

Copyright

If you have any questions or concerns, talk with a member of your healthcare team. You can reach them Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at ____________________. After 5:00 pm, during the weekend, and on holidays, please call____________________. If there’s no number listed, or you’re not sure, call 212-639-2000.